In this transformative episode of The Psychedelic Couch, sound healing pioneer Nikki Slade shares her remarkable journey from addiction to connection through the practice of chanting. With over 30 years of experience, Nikki reveals the profound impact of sacred sound on mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

She delves into the ancient roots of chanting, explaining its ability to heal, uplift, and reconnect individuals with their true selves. Nikki highlights the therapeutic applications of chanting, including her work in addiction treatment centres, where it fosters emotional release and unity consciousness.

Listeners will gain insights into various chanting traditions, physiological benefits, and the transformative power of community. This inspiring episode invites you to explore your inner voice and embrace a deeper connection with the world through sound. Tune in to uncover the healing potential of chanting and sacred sound.

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Nikki Slade is a leading pioneer in the field of chanting, core voice and sound work in the UK for over 30 yrs. Nikki has inspired thousands of individuals to chant and has led chanting and voice workshops in a wide variety of settings including companies such as M&C Saatchi, Deutsche Bank and Cisco. She has been resident Kirtan leader at triyoga London for 20 years and has also taken her cutting-edge approach to working with the voice into Wandsworth men’s prison. She was the resident voice and sound facilitator at the Priory Hospital in North London for 20 years where she has, through her work, supported the recovery of people on the addiction treatment programme.

For the past 10 years she has been facilitating chanting and voice workshops at the half-way recovery house Start 2 Stop in central London. Nikki has worked extensively, privately with sound and voice work for leaders in their fields including Business leaders, Therapists, Yoga teachers, School teachers, Writers and Performing artists. She has released 4 successful mantra and chanting recordings including: Nectarine, Monsoon, Soundscape and the double album Epiphany.

She is also author of her popular book ‘The Healing Power of Chanting’. In recent years she has pioneered Kirtan in the mainstream areas of Glastonbury Festival and Latitude Festival and The World Yoga Festival. She has shared her work overseas in California, Singapore, NYC, Mexico City, Brussels and Melbourne. On 11.11.11 at Mind, Body, Spirit show she led a chant for the opening ceremony for over 2000 people and once again at the 12.12.12 Oneness ceremony at the London Hilton. Nikki is the founder of the first in the UK 200hr Learn To Lead Kirtan Foundation Training, accredited by The Yoga Alliance Professionals in 2016. She completed leading the 6th training her in the UK in November 2023

Follow Nikki Slade : @nikkisladeuk

www.nikkislade.com

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In this episode, Will William delves into the transformative power meditation, emphasising its role in drawing individuals into deep, transcendent states. He discusses the physiological benefits of meditation and contrasts traditional top-down approaches to meditation, which focus on clearing the mind, with his preferred method that harmonises with modern lifestyles and offers significant impact with less effort. He emphasises the importance of adapting meditation practices to contemporary life, incorporating additional techniques to ensure they remain effective in today's fast-paced world.

He stresses the need for grounding practices in the modern context, where people are constantly stimulated and distracted by screens and other external factors. The discussion touches on Internal Family Systems (IFS), a therapeutic approach that views individuals as composed of multiple parts formed at different life stages. Will acknowledges the value of this model, noting its alignment with his observations in meditation. The conversation explores the intricate relationship between physical sensations, emotions, and memory. Will highlights how unresolved emotional wounds can manifest as physical sensations and attract certain experiences, reinforcing negative patterns. He underscores the importance of addressing these wounds through meditation and other practices to break these patterns and promote healing.

Will also discusses the interplay between sexuality and spirituality, advocating for a balanced approach that integrates both aspects. He highlights how residing in higher chakras can lead to more fulfilling and loving sexual experiences, while cautioning against indulging in lower chakra-driven behaviours, which can reinforce shadow elements and addictive tendencies.

Will concludes by emphasising the significance of internal experiences in shaping our perceptions and interactions with the world. He encourages listeners to engage in practices that promote self-awareness and healing, ultimately leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.

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Will Williams is a meditation and mindfulness coach, who has worked with some of the world’s leading companies, including: Google DeepMind, Apple, HSBC, Spotify and Universal. Will is also the wellbeing advisor to the OECD for the Education 2030 project, an initiative which aims to help countries find what knowledge, skills and values are needed to help today’s students thrive. He is also founder of World Meditation Day and the author of ‘The Effortless Mind’. Learn more about Will's current project at www.beejameditation.com.

Follow Will: @beejameditation and at www.beejameditation.com

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In this episode of "The Psychedelic Couch," Melissa Barker discusses her journey of healing from sexual trauma using psychedelic-assisted therapy.

Melissa shares her harrowing yet transformative story, beginning with childhood trauma, compounded by an assault at 17, and subsequent traumatic relationships throughout her 20s and early 30s. Despite these challenges, Melissa embarked on a profound healing journey in her late

20s, engaging in therapies such as EMDR, EFT, breath work, and Kundalini yoga, ultimately being diagnosed with complex PTSD due to the extensive trauma she endured.

A significant turning point in her healing journey came with the intentional use of psychedelics. Initially exploring these substances alone, Melissa describes a pivotal MDMA journey in December 2022, facilitated by a trusted guide. This experience allowed her to release deeply held trauma, access repressed parts of herself, and foster a deeper sense of trust and safety.

Melissa also recounts the challenges of integrating these profound experiences, emphasising the importance of working with protector parts within the Internal Family Systems (IFS) framework.

She highlights the delicate balance between accessing traumatic memories and ensuring these protective aspects of the psyche feel secure and supported.

The episode further explores the complexities of navigating the psychedelic space, including the potential risks of working with less ethical practitioners. Melissa's story underscores the necessity of finding trustworthy guides and the transformative potential of psychedelics when used responsibly and with proper support.

Overall, this episode offers a compelling narrative of resilience, healing, and the profound impact of psychedelics in trauma therapy, providing valuable insights for listeners interested in the therapeutic potential of these substances.

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Dr. Melissa Barker, EdD is an entrepreneur, activist, and emerging voice in the growing psychedelics movement. Dr. Barker is the founder of The Phoenix Project, a community-led mental health tech platform that’s now in the process of developing AI-assisted support for trauma survivors who are utilizing psychedelic therapy.

Her experiences with ketamine, MDMA/MDA, psilocybin, and LSD (alongside her work helping other survivors) spurred her into a deeper understanding of what healing from sexual trauma, abuse and violence means for women, particularly in today’s current climate.

Dr. Barker has appeared on The Psychedelic Podcast by Third Wave, Sex Love Psychedelics, and many others. She recently co-anchored the panel “MDMA Saved My Life: Psychedelics & Healing from Sexual Trauma” at SXSW 2024 alongside Sutton King, Dr. Sunny Strasburg, and Dr. Cat Meyer.

Follow Melissa: @drmelissabarker and at www.iamphoenixproject.com

Follow The Psychedelic Couch: @thepsychedelicouch